He who would assist a
lord of men in harmony with the Tao will not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms. Such a course is sure
to meet with its proper return.
Wherever a host is stationed, briars and
thorns spring up. In the sequence of great armies there are sure to be bad years.
A skilful (commander) strikes
a decisive blow, and stops. He does not dare (by continuing his operations) to assert and complete his mastery. He will
strike the blow, but will be on his guard against being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it. He strikes it
as a matter of necessity; he strikes it, but not from a wish for mastery.
When
things have attained their strong maturity they become old. This may be said to be not in accordance with the Tao: and
what is not in accordance with it soon comes to an end.